
The length of time you must wait between donations depends on the product you are donating, such as whole blood or platelets.


You can donate blood at American Red Cross clinics or other clinics or blood banks. Blood that contains all the parts is called whole blood. If you don't need it, your blood may be donated to someone else.ĭonated blood includes red blood cells and the other things that make up the blood, such as platelets and plasma. If you donate blood before you have surgery, your own blood will be kept for you in case you need a blood transfusion.

It also helps people who have an illness such as cancer, anemia, sickle cell disease, or hemophilia. Donated blood helps people who have lost blood in an accident. Blood donation means giving some of your blood so that it can be used to help someone else.
